Ricciardo: Red Bull still better bet than Mercedes

Daniel Ricciardo is confident committing to the Red Bull Formula 1 team long term will still pay off despite Nico Rosberg's retirement creating opportunities at Mercedes.

Ricciardo is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2018, and believes that remains the best place for him to fight for the world championship - while admitting that a Mercedes seat was tempting for anyone.

"I wouldn't be surprised if nearly everyone had been in contact with them," Ricciardo told Autosport's sister title Motorsport.com.

"And like I said from the start, whoever ends up getting that seat, I think they should appreciate it very much because it's not every day someone gets that kind of opportunity.

"But I extended my contract with Red Bull having the confidence in them that I have. We'll see how it plays out."